Cà d’Zan : The Ringling Mansion

Cà d’ Zan , the Venetian Gothic mansion belonging to the famous circus owner John Ringling, is a house unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s part circus cheek, part Venetian elegance, and all at once oddly charming. Built in 1924 and finished around Christmas 1925, it set John and Mable Ringling back 1.5 million–a princely sum in those days. Situated right on Sarasota Bay, this 36,000 square foot home is on prime real estate and with a Belvedere tower rising 81 feet, the view is a sight to behold. In total the house boasts 41 rooms and 15 bathrooms, although in person it doesn’t quite feel this large. All in all it has five stories, including a basement, and stretches two hundred feet across the waterfront.

The Mansion on the Bay

Approaching the house from the secret garden. Although on a clear day, the house sparkles, it’s particularly moody with overcast skies.

From the Main Walk

Facing the golden door where one enters the house

Turn 180 from the view of the golden door I just gave you and you’re facing an anteroom that looks into the great room to the right and a dining room which is not shown. The red is dramatic, isn’t it? Perfect for a circus family, I think.